Police: It's Illegal To Leave Unattended Cars Running In Washington State

It's illegal to leave your car unattended while the engine is running in Washington state, according to state authorities.

KOMO said this makes residents worried when the brutal winter months come around. People tend to start their cars and head back inside to keep warm. Pasco Police Department Sgt. Rigo Pruneda claims unattended vehicles provide an opportunity to steal.

"What happens is people see it as an opportunity to take your vehicle, because it is insecure and it is running," Sgt. Pruneda told KNDO. "So we just want to remind everybody, if they are going to warm up the car, please do not leave it unattended. Stay with the vehicle." KOMO also noted multiple cases of "idling unattended vehicles being stolen in Western Washington."

According to the Washington State Legislature's website, the law reads, "No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway." The Environmental Protection Agency said the state law aimed to curb emissions.

Some other states have varying versions of this law, including Texas, Illinois, Ohio, California, Minnesota and Florida.

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